Hello all,

I’m in the market for buying a new laptop to install Linux on. I’m trying to stay with something relatively cheap (Around $300 and below). I’m getting ready to start a degree program in cyber security and did some research, and it seems Kali Linux would be the best distro for me to install.

I would install it on my current computer, but I only have a 2015 MacBook Pro, and I’ve read that a few people run into some issues installing on a Mac compared to a regular PC.

With the above in mind, do I need to increase my budget or does Linux run fine on low-end laptops?

Thanks!

  • @RandomVanGloboiiEnglish
    1•11 months ago

    Linux runs fine on very old laptops, you can make PCs that are decades old feel young again.

    BUT only if you pick a distro that is lightweight enough. Usually the difference is made by the desktop environment - avoid GNOME like hell, I’m not sure if KDE is smooth enough, but with things like XFCE and MATE you’re safe enough. Kali Linux uses XFCE by default so you’re alright

    I don’t know how to install Linux distros on a Mac, but there should be plenty of tutorials

    In case instead you prefer getting a new PC, a refurbished Thinkpad is the most obvious choice.